For better or worse: Brydge case transforms your iPad into a laptop

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I think a lot of people would agree with me when I say that, for some users, a tablet serves as a completely reasonable laptop alternative. But for others, even the best tablet still won’t do the job — they need a physical keyboard, louder speakers, and a display angle that doesn’t destroy their neck after 45 minutes. So how do you get everything we love about tablets and combine it with what we expect from a laptop? You need a tablet with a keyboard case on it, like the Zagg and now the Brydge.

The Brydge is a Kickstarter-funded project that aims to laptop-ify the iPad. It essentially adds a MacBook Air-style lower half to the iPad that is composed of an aluminum chassis, island-style keyboard, and optional speakers. It has a dock connection that securely holds the iPad and makes it tiltable up to 180 degrees, using a patent-pending hinge. The Brydge works over Bluetooth so there is no need to use the iPad’s connector to get the dock and speakers to interact with the case.

The project has the Kickstarter-signature super slick video presentation, it’s already smashed its funding goal and units should ship by October 2012. At $210 with the stereo speakers, it’s a premium product, but the goal was clearly to have something that matches the MacBook Air, and that can’t be done on-the-cheap (just ask any Ultrabook manufacturer).

As much as I appreciate the thought that want into Brydge, let’s keep in mind the wise words of Geek.com’s own Russell Holly…

Everyday more people spend hundreds turning their tablets into laptops. Maybe you didn’t actually want a tablet…

At the end of the day you are doubling the weight of your iPad, increasing the cost significantly, not adding much drop protection, and not including video out, an SD slot, or any other significant laptop functionality. That noted, the laptop you end up with will have a fantastic battery life, a super high-resolution screen, and it’ll have iOS’ user-friendliness.

I’m sure that an iPad laptop is a the dream for any number of people — and Lenovo is clearly on board with their Yoga tabputer — but this Frankenstein approach is far from ideal. For example, the Brydge has its own battery, which can’t be charged from the iPad, nor can it charge the iPad. It can’t even be charged with an iPad charger, you’ll need microUSB. The battery lasts for months, but only if you get the model without the speakers, those cause extra drain.

Ultimately, I’m sure the Brydge will be the right choice for a lot of people. After all, not everyone can have a laptop and a tablet. I’d just keep Russell’s thoughts in mind and make sure you’re getting the right tools for the job. After all, while all the accessories are useful you don’t want to add on the keyboard case, the SD adapter, the HDMI adapter, and so on, and wind up with this…